#B173 COX-2 and NQO1 are Potential Chemopreventive Targets of Isothiocynates in Pancreatic Cancer. Beverly Lyn-Cook, Nicole Maddox, Beverly Word, Skeetora Taylor, Nova Goobsy, George Hammons, FDA-NCTR, Jefferson, AR. Identification of effective chemopreventive agents has recently become an important issue in public-health. Identifying potential molecular or biochemical targets an d understanding their mechanism of action will greatly improve the efficiency of these agents on a number of cancers. Isothiocynates have been shown to exert chemopreventive properties in vivo and in vitro. These non-nutrient components are found in the diet, especially in cruciferous vegetables. This study showed the effects of two isothiocynates, 2-phenethyl isothiocyante (PEITC) and phenyl isothiocynates (PITC) on modulation of expression of COX-2 and NQO1 in two pancreatic cell lines (PANC-1 and Mia). Cells were treated with 0.1, 1, 5, 20 and 50 ìM of each agent. Both PEITC and PITC downregulated (2-3 fold) COX-2 expression in both cell lines. PEITC increased NQO1 expression (4-6 fold) in PANC-1 cells only. Concentrations used in this study did not, however, significantly inhibit cell proliferation. These dietary agents are thought to exert their anti-cancer effects through indirect mechanisms. Examining the effects of isothiocynates on expression of two critical targets, COX-2 and NQO1, in pancreatic cancer may be of potential importance in drug discovery and drug development. Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research, 2003 AACR Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.